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Patriots gridiron news: The end is finally near for Tom Brady

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has found the fountain of youth on the field, but off the field NFL life may be wearing out the ageless wonder.

When Tom Brady goes so do the New England Patriots.  At least that is what the rest of the NFL hopes.  As for the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback himself, time may not be winning now, but it is quickly catching up in the marathon of life.

Coming off a Super Bowl loss, the reigning NFL MVP doesn’t appear as motivated as he has been in previous off seasons.  After throwing for over 500 yards in the big game, there is no doubt the soon-to-be 41-year-old Brady still has what it takes to be elite, but the grind of NFL life may have halted his previous desires to play till his mid-40s.

In a sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey airing Sunday morning on the OWN network, Tom Brady was asked about just how long he plans to do what he does best.

"“I think about it more now than I used to,” Brady admitted, as transcribed by WEEI.  “I think I’m seeing there’s definitely an end coming sooner, rather than later.”"

That answer actually supports how Brady ended his “Tom vs. Time” docu-series.  Not only did he sound worn out, he questioned whether he felt appreciated for the hard work he has put in. He also made reference to spending more time for family and putting fatherhood ahead of football.

So far this offseason, the Patriots quarterback has focused more on his own life.  He has skipped out on voluntary organized team activities and has been scarce in media availability.  Now, it could be due to the apparent tension he has with Bill Belichick or it could be more of a response to his contractual situation.  Whatever the case, Tom Brady is showing retirement is more of a reality with his recent actions and words than he appeared not to want to face entering the 2017 season.

Does Brady have another Super Bowl run in him?  Absolutely.

But, that may depend on how much he still loves football.  It will depend on how much drive he has inside of him.  It will also depend how much he feels appreciated.

If any of those key components are absent, the “sooner” Tom Brady mentioned could be very soon.  It could be the end of the 2018 season.

Life after Tom Brady

New England Patriots don’t want to think about it, but one day Tom Brady will not be the quarterback of the team.

With that time being sooner rather than later in the words of Brady, development of the next franchise quarterback may have to come a lot quicker.

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Of course, the team had its succession plan in the name of Jimmy Garoppolo.  But, Brady’s elite level of play at his age forced Bill Belichick to trade him to the San Francisco 49ers.  Now, after passing on top quarterback prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Patriots are looking in some other places for the next guy.

That includes taking a look at young quarterback free agents like Christian Hackenberg.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo, the Patriots brought in the former Penn State quarterback for a visit at the end of last week.

Hackenberg, who was waived by the Oakland Raiders and cleared waivers last Wednesday, has been in the process of changing passing motion under the guidance of new Raiders coach Jon Gruden who showed frustration that he didn’t have the time necessary to develop the young quarterback.

"“Everybody is an expert out there on Hackenberg and thinks he can’t play,” Gruden told the media via ESPN.com.  “It’s unfortunate, this whole collective [bargaining agreement].  How do you develop a quarterback?  I don’t know how you do it.”"

The New England Patriots currently have Brian Hoyer serving as Brady’s backup and seventh round pick Danny Etling vying for a role on the team.

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It doesn’t appear the team will sign Christian Hackenberg at the moment, but he could be an option down the road if the team feel they can help or even further his development.

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